This book is a wonderful companion for all who are involved in youth ministry. It focuses on the importance of relationships in the success of the ministry. It doesn't mislead by asserting that all the answers are on the pages of this book. You will be challenged to move your ministry into a more lasting phase in which the adults of the congregation become integral parts of the foundation of the teens.

All youth ministers, youth deacons, and youth volunteers should own a copy of this book.

I'm coming from a different perspective than most of you who read this book. I'm a 20 year old Gordon College student who is learning about youth ministry from his friends and from classes. I never really felt connected to any of the youth groups I belonged to, and consequently I understand why now.

I read this book to make up for an incomplete. I had to read this book and Doug Fields Purpose Driven Youth Ministry as well as doing a lot of field research. It was alot like finding a diamond in the rough. I've learned alot about Youth Ministry from this assignment and consequently I can see what DeVries is talking about in this book.

I would say that this book is one of the most definitive books on where Youth Ministry should be heading. The approach is "radical", from our perspective, but is in fact traditional. He is essentially advocating that we give children of my generation one of the main things we have lost in this hedonistic and pluralistic society: A deep connection with adults.

My parents and I get along better than most people these days, but they weren't the greatest advocates of church involement. I had a strong relationship growing up, but what I didn't have was a strong connection with other adult Christians. There was no "cloud of witnesses" to encourage me and challenge me to continue forward. Consequently, I have found it difficult at times to continue forward in my faith. DeVries' concept would change that.

The focus of the book is to show youth workers that the method they have been using needs updating. A new process for quantifying success in a youth ministry also needs to be used. A youth group shouldn't be judged by how many people are in it, but rather by how many people stay in the church once they "graduate" from youth group.

All in all this book is wonderful. I suggest it to everybody who has to work with youth.

I have written and edited Christian education curriculum for teens for more than 25 years, I've edited a Christian magazine for youth for 9 years, I've edited a journal for youth workers for 8 years, and edited youth ministry books. I majored in Christian education with an emphasis on youth ministry. So I've seen quite a bit of what's out there on this subject.

Far and away, this is my favorite book on youth ministry. In my present role as a church consultant, this is the only book on youth ministry I give to the youth pastors at the churches where I am consulting.

But a lot of people in youth ministry won't share my opinion. Why? Because this book advocates a basic approach to youth ministry that is so different from what we're used to that most youth pastors are not comfortable with it. A pastor recently told me that they interviewed several candidates for a family-based youth ministry position. None of the youth ministry candidates they interviewed had any clue about how to do family-based youth ministry, so they didn't hire any of them.

Here's the heart of this book. The purpose of youth ministry is to produce adult disciples. What predicts whether a teen will ten years later be an adult disciple? It's not youth group attendance. It's not attending the teen Sunday school class. So, what is it? Give up? It is the quality of the teen's relationship with one or more mature Christian adults.

Kids who just plug into youth group but don't develop close friendships with mature Christian adults are not likely to be in church ten years later. Building a youth ministry around teen-adult relationships--including both parents and others--sounds revolutionary to us. Chances are it would have sounded just normal to the New Testament church. If you care about teens, and if you dare to open yourself to a radically different way of structuring the church's ministry to and with them, you need this book.

This book helped me out of bed and on the road to living life to its fullest. Dr. Pellegrino explains how to manage and survive the multiple daily frustrations of life with fibromyalgia.

Dr. Pelligrino not only knows alot about fibromyalgia--he has it himself, which gives this book a unique perspective. I have met Dr. Pellegrino, and he is a great doctor, and a very understanding person. If you have to buy only one book on fibromyalgia, this is it!

The Fibromyalgia Survivour is the essentail handbook for all suffers who want to know how to cope in the real world.From washing your dishes to travelling abroad this book has the answers.Written by a Doctor who has FMS,and treats FMS patients he knows what he is talking about.It is easy to read and understand with plenty of diagrams and solutions to problems.I would highly recommend this book,

I bought this book about 7 years ago and its been my Bible
ever since! I read at least one chapter everyday. This book
is so uplifting. Its been a great guidance for me. When Im
feeling blue, I reach for this book. I simply can't live
without this book!!!!

Charlotte Davis Kasl, has hit the nail on the head! Want to change your life for the better? Want to really enjoy your days and learn to get through the rough ones? This book can help. She has thought of everything from finances, to love, to kids to your entire outlook on life. The sections are broken into 101 mini topics explained through anecdotes and therapy techniques. She uses teqhniques from many cultures and religions without pushing any religion on you. Easy to read and comprhend. Read a section a day (If you can put it down afer just one!) and you will feel the difference as you internalise the beauty of true Joy in your life. (Can you tell this is my favorite book?)

I was recently browsing through the local library and wanted to find something "uplifting". The title "Finding Joy" sounded like it would fit the bill, so I checked it out. I was amazed at how each chapter seemed to be written about my situation. Things that I felt & thought in my mind were actually written on paper. At the end of each chapter, there is a section entitled "Excercises for the soul" which are very soul-searching techniques.

The author uses the teachings of Jewish mysticism as a guide on subjects such as "making sense, not excuses" (a big one for me since I am quite a procrastinator!) & "getting your attitude adjusted". Our library allows you to check out a book for three weeks at a time & also renew once by phone. I have had the book for six weeks and hated to part with it, so I am placing an order today through Amazon to purchase it. I feel it is a great reference guide to pick up and read over and over.Daniel I. Schwartz has written a truly insperational book!

I have been playing guitar for many years and wanted to branch out into a different style. The songs in this book are great. The tablature is well written and is easily understood. There is enough material in the book to keep me busy for a long time to come. The level of playing is for intermediate to advanced player. The CD is an extra bonus that is great listening. Warning: I liked the book so much that I ordered a Chet Atkins SST model guitar to accompany me so that I can sound even better.

When I first got the book, I put the CD in to listen briefly to the first track to get an idea of what the pieces sounded like. I ended up listening to the entire thing. Track 6 was so emotional and unbelievable that I had pains in my chest. The price of the book is definately worth the CD alone. The book comes with probally around 20 songs with TAB. The songs are NOT easy so if your not a fingerpicker, then start with Mark Hansons "Beyond Basics Fingerstyle" book. That will give you the basics to play the easy songs in this book. There are songs in this book to challenge most players also. He did a great job of adding in easier songs near the back of the book. Theres also a couple of songs that are written for a duo. On the CD it is a flute player, but anything will work, even another guitar. My sister plays violin and It sounds incredible with guitar.

If your like me, and taught yourself to play guitar, then this book is definately something to challenge and educate you in fingerstyle. After playing 1 of the easy songs from this book at a correct tempo, you will start to see immeadiate improvement in your style and fingering.

In a wrap up, this is the book for you if you either A: want some great classical xmas tunes B: want to learn som great classical xmas tunes C: want to learn to develop some fingerpicking skills.

When I first got the book, I put the CD in to listen briefly to the first track to get an idea of what the pieces sounded like. I ended up listening to the entire thing. Track 6 was so emotional and unbelievable that I had pains in my chest. The price of the book is definately worth the CD alone.

The book comes with probally around 20 songs with TAB. The songs are NOT easy so if your not a fingerpicker, then start with Mark Hansons "Beyond Basics Fingerstyle" book. That will give you the basics to play the easy songs in this book. There are songs in this book to challenge most players also. He did a great job of adding in easier songs near the back of the book. Theres also a couple of songs that are written for a duo. On the CD it is a flute player, but anything will work, even another guitar. My sister plays violin and It sounds incredible with guitar.

If your like me, and taught yourself to play guitar, then this book is definately something to challenge and educate you in fingerstyle. After playing 1 of the easy songs from this book at a correct tempo, you will start to see immeadiate improvement in your style and fingering.

In a wrap up, this is the book for you if you either A: want some great classical xmas tunes B: want to learn som great classical xmas tunes C: want to learn to develop some fingerpicking skills.

I think this is a funny book. The aliens fly around in cups and have tenacles and all sorts of alien stuff that makes it fun to read. It's funny that they are aliens going to school. I hope she writes a Second Graders from Mars. And then Third Graders from Mars.

Horus couldn't wait to get to his first grade class in Pod 1. But once there, he was confused. Where was the slime table and the snooze mats and what time was snack? "First graders are too big for those things," another student informs him and Horus realizes he's not in martiangarten anymore. First grade is work, work, work, from reading to art to math problems and Horus is hungry and tired and cranky when his mother picks him up from school. How was your first day, she wants to know. "Horrible. I'm not going back!" Unfortunately, he finds out that this decision is out of his hands (or in his case tentacles), when his folks literally drag him back to school the next morning. There he finds a new little alien crying big blue tears. She's afraid school will be terrible, Horus agrees and scary, no argument there, and the teacher will be mean and the work too hard. But as Horus remembers his first day he tells her, the teacher was very nice and helpful and the work is hard, but not too hard, you can do it. Horus has a new friend, a friend who feels just like he did yesterday and needs him to help show her the ropes. So together they march inside, ready for whatever comes their way..... Shana Corey has written a delightful and humorous story that many first graders will relate to. Her simple and realistic text, complete with silly Martian language, really captures the essence of a little one moving from the safe world of kindergarten to the big unknown of first grade and is complemented by Mark Teaque's funny, expressive, colorful artwork. Together they've authored a charming story with a gentle, reassuring message that won't be lost on young readers. Perfect for kids 5-8, First Graders From Mars is just right for beginning readers and also makes a wonderful read aloud story the entire family can enjoy.

First Graders From Mars is a super book for kids ages 4-8. It will become a staple for parents sending kids off to first grade and for first grade teachers welcoming Kindergarten graduates for the first time (Martiangarten Grads too!). Horus is a character who kids will quickly fall for...he's a kid through an through! Corey has crafted a fast-paced, easy-to-read story that gels!! It has lots of cool stuff (from a Martian girl who cries big blue tear drops out of her NOSE to a teacher who floats, has eyes in the back of her head, front, and SIDE!!!). Teague is a master and has brought the story to alien-life with bright, bold, alive illustrations. Watch this series ZOOOOOM up the bestseller lists!! Wow!!!! :)

Elmo was watching a strange insect crawl across his classroom floor the morning Mrs. Drindle brought books in for book reports, so he got stuck with the only book left, Frog Medicine, which not surprisingly, none of the other kids would swap with him.

"I'll read it later," he told his cat Leon.

Naturally, as boys will do, he procrastinated all week. He fell asleep over his unread book the night before his report was due.

Elmo woke up feeling sick, and no wonder--his feet were green and webbed.

He called the author, Dr. Frank Galoof, for advice and found a cab outside his apartment building that spirited him--actually floated--to Frogtown, where Dr. Galoof said it was no wonder he was turning into a frog. Lunch in a swamp-colored restaurant, where the waiters were frogs like the good Dr. and the fare consisted of slugs and insects, Galoof told poor Elmo,
"You see, the longer you put a problem off, the worse it becomes. It's all in my book." Elmo replied, "I had no idea frogs led such interesting lives."

Elmo took the advice--"Just read the book"--and liked it! Everything, even his feet, returned to the everyday.

Kids absolutely love the froggy, swamp-bottom illustrations and clever language and dialogue in this special creation. It's much better than the books that Roy Plumpton or Arthur Flax chose--Common Household Monsters or The Lost Dinosaurs of Terror Island.

From a grown-up's point of view, the best thing about this treasure is that the medicine--READ--goes down with a spoonful of sugar. Maybe Dr. Galoof was a colleague of Mary Poppins. Alyssa A. Lappen

This is one of those books where the kids just couldn't get enough. The character is one they could relate to, and the subject was very appealing. The illustrations kept them wanting the next page. Try Moog Moog by the same author for another adventure from the same character.

I am a first/second grade teacher and my students have been so delighted with Mark Teague's works. We first became familiar with Frog Medicine this fall (1997) I have been requested to read this book at least four times now. Each time we read Frog Medicine we notice something new. Just recently my students realized that an old favorite "Pigsty" was also written by Mark Teague. His "style" of illustrations gave us the biggest clue. The children were also able to point out similarities in plot. My students are anxious to find another adventure by Mark Teague.

INCREDIBLE! As a relatively new fan to NASCAR I feel like I have been brought up to speed! This book is a must buy. I love the stories. They made me laugh and get a little choked up at times. It's a very easy read and the cd that comes with it is amazing. Dale Jr.'s tribute to his dad is incredible and the Petty's are amazing. I want more!

This book is great and the CD on the Petty's is just awesome. It will make you cry all the way through it. I loved it and would recommend it to all. God Bless the Petty family and Adam.

This is an excellent book, with stories from various drivers, fans, writers, and other motorsports personalities! Many will make you think, laugh, or even cry. Inspiring images of faith along with a true look at the NASCAR personalities you thought you knew, make this a must-buy!

I found this particular guide book to be one of the best I purchased - and I bought a few. It was very accurate and up-to-date on prices, phone numbers, attractions, hours and general information. (Although that was June '96 and I'm sure that "Frommer's Ireland on $60 a Day" is more accurate money-wise.) It really helped me to plan my vacation and I was able to see most of the places I wanted to without wasting time or money. It has a bit for everyone from the pub scene to literary interests and everything in between. I especially like how Frommer's tells you how to get the best value for your dollar but where you should splurge if you can. Hope I run into a few of you when I next go to Ireland!

I used this book for my trip to Ireland and found it very accurate and so informative be it food/b&bs/cars-driving and tourist sights. The tips were great and the whole trip was just smooth sailing due much of this book. I highly recommend this book to anyone who might be heading to the Emerald Isle.

I bought this book, and several others, in order to prepare for my first trip to Ireland. It was the only one I should have bought!! The prices were incorrect, but inflation happens. I would highly recommend this book to anyone planning a vacation to the Emerald Isle! Don't waste you hard earned money on any other books or maps! Save it for shopping. I spent even less than the $50.00 a day, and had a wonderful time. I saved so much, that I am going back again in a few months!!

I picked this book up and could not put it down until I read it from cover to cover. I swear I could hear the crack of the bat and roar of the crowd as I moved from page to page looking at the pictures and reading the commentary. The warmth of the pictures has made this the number one selection in my personal baseball library.

If this book's photographs represent only a fraction of Mr. Brace's total collection of negatives, then more should be rolling off the presses. Not only do they offer a great glimpse into a glorious past, the captions are equally superb. This is a work that's more than baseball: it's American history.

Had the privilege of meeting and knowing George Brace. This book is an excellent portrayal of the work of one of the world's few true gentlemen. Well written! You are correct...It is and will be a collector's item.

The literary criticism you can get from the Oxford edition (check your local library); the commentary is thorough (which parts did Twain write? which parts Warner?) and informative. My reasons for recommending this book have nothing to do with its literary value (spotty) and everything to do with its subtitle. Every now and then an old book teaches us that much of what we take to be modern and sophisticated is truly old hat. One of the best descriptions of the Cold War was written by Thucydides, and one of the best depictions of the go go dot.com economy was written by Twain. Substitute web sites for depots and bandwidth for rails and the conversations in this book could have been overhead on cel phones in San Jose. IPO's and bubbles are not twenty-first century innovations: as Twain shows us,it may be possible to get rich from hard work, but it's more tempting to get rich by looting the pockets of the uninformed. Senator Dilworthy's dedication to pork evokes Byrd, and we learn lecherous behavior in Congress didn't start with Condit. An entertaining validation of Ecclesiates: there truly is nothing new under the sun.

Moving stuff at the start, very funny in spots, and heartily American. The end wasn't all I'd hope for but there is still good stuff up till the end which is hard to do in any book. Like I said in the title, I liked it better than Huck Finn because Huck Finn is more of the kitchy journey story which is too easy whereas this one is not a road trip but a full fleshed tale.

This book, written by Twain and Warner, pokes fun at American society during what they called "the guilded age". This term has stuck and is often used by historians to describe the period 1877-1914. Twain and Warner see this time as one where men care only for money. These men will not work hard, but merely scheme and plot in order to strike it rich. The dialogue in the book is very snappy, the best being when Laura Hawkins arrives in Washington, DC and meets with the other high society ladies. I would recommend this book to anybody interested in United States History, or just those who want to read a good novel. The book can drag at times, but overall is very engrossing.